ZEBULON - Pike County expects its largest crowd of the year July 4 when it celebrates the nation’s 232nd birthday with the Pride of Pike Fourth of July Celebration.

According to Pike County Chamber of Commerce President Karen Brown, the annual event draws 8,000 to 10,000 visitors to the county.

The celebration - sponsored by Pike County, the Chamber of Commerce and the Pike County Recreation Authority - kicks off at 4 p.m. with a parade from Pike County Primary School to the county’s recreation complex on Twin Oaks Road, where festivities will take place on the soccer field.

The Hudson Road Band will once again provide entertainment, and there will be plenty of food and crafts vendors as well as games for the children.

The highlight of the day’s activities will be the fireworks display the county has planned.

To ensure safety, Twin Oaks Road will be closed between County Farm and Drew Allen roads from 2 p.m. to midnight. Parking will be available in the closed area at a cost of $5 per vehicle. Parking proceeds will help offset event costs.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the thousands of people to our community to enjoy this year’s festival,” Brown said.